Graduate MENTORS Peer Mentorship Program
The Graduate Mentoring Excellence, Nurturing Talents, Opportunities, and Resources for Success (MENTORS) program enhances the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ graduate student experience by linking incoming 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ graduate students with a peer mentor.
Mentees will learn what to expect in their studies, ways to approach challenges, gain invaluable academic and career advice, and build a professional social network. Mentors will expand their networks, gain leadership experience, and enhance their coaching and professional skills. These valuable skills will aid mentors in excelling as professionals and leaders while giving back to the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ graduate community.
Information for Mentors
This program is open to current 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ graduate students who:
- Have completed at least one year of graduate studies at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ by the program start date
- Are enrolled in at least 3 graduate credits per semester while serving as a mentor
- Are in good academic standing in a graduate degree program
- Complete the Mentor Collective matching survey and online training
- Attend and participate in the Grad MENTORS Kick-Off in the fall semester
- Host at least three (3) meetings with your mentee(s) each semester
- Attend and participate in the program's Commencement at the end of the spring semester
- Complete all program assessments (surveys/feedback forms)
Applications are only accepted once a year, and there is no application fee to apply.
The primary goal of the peer mentorship program is to enhance the academic, professional, and personal development of participants. Through this opportunity, mentors will gain valuable skills associated with mentorship, such as:
- Personal Growth: Mentoring others helps you develop leadership skills, communication skills, and empathy. You learn to listen actively, provide constructive feedback, and motivate others.
- Enhanced Communication Skills: Mentorship requires effective communication to convey ideas clearly and understand the needs of your mentee.
- Increased Confidence: Successfully guiding someone else through challenges and seeing their progress can boost your confidence in your own abilities and knowledge.
- Building Relationships and Campus Community: Mentoring often leads to meaningful connections and friendships. You can expand your network and gain insights from diverse perspectives. Also, by sharing your experiences and knowledge, you contribute to a positive learning environment at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ and can help others navigate challenges more effectively.
- Career Development: Mentoring demonstrates leadership and a commitment to personal and professional growth, which can be valuable for career advancement.
- Personal Reflection: Mentoring encourages self-reflection as you consider your own experiences and how they can benefit others. It can help you gain insights into your own strengths and areas for growth.
Also, graduate student mentors will each receive a $250 program scholarship each semester (pending funding approval). Please note: You must have a current FAFSA form or the Alternative Need Determination Form on file. If you owe money for current or prior terms, the program scholarship will be applied towards that balance. Disbursement of the program scholarship can take between 4-6 weeks after the Graduate College Student Services Team has confirmed that you have completed the program requirements for the semester.
Information for Mentees
This program is open to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ graduate students who:
- Are newly admitted or have completed less than 12 credits of graduate study at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ by the program start date
- Are enrolled in at least 3 graduate credits per semester while participating in the program
- Complete the Mentor Collective matching survey and online training
- Attend and participate in the Grad MENTORS Kick-Off in the fall semester
- Attend at least three (3) meetings with your mentor each semester
- Attend and participate in the program's Commencement at the end of the spring semester
- Complete all program assessments (surveys/feedback forms)
Applications are only accepted once a year, and there is no application fee to apply.
The primary goal of the peer mentorship program is to enhance the academic, professional, and personal development of participants. Through this opportunity, mentees will gain valuable skills associated with mentorship, such as:
- Guidance and Support: A peer mentor can provide personalized guidance and support based on their own experiences and knowledge, which can help mentees navigate challenges and make informed decisions.
- Skill Development: Mentors often help mentees develop specific skills relevant to their field or personal growth, such as leadership, communication, or problem-solving skills.
- Networking Opportunities: Mentors can introduce mentees to their professional networks, opening doors to new opportunities for career advancement or personal growth.
- Perspective and Insight: Mentors offer different perspectives and insights based on their experiences, which can broaden mentees’ understanding of various situations and approaches.
- Friendship and Support Network: Mentoring relationships can evolve into lasting friendships or connections that extend beyond professional development.
- Mutual Learning: Mentoring is often a two-way street where both mentor and mentee learn from each other's perspectives and experiences.